CoSpacesEdu: Sequence, Selection & Repetition using Blockly

CoSpaces Edu is a great platform for creating virtual reality experiences. Students can easily insert and manipulate 3D objects and then view them on a mobile device. This offers a great opportunity to promote creativity in the classroom and provide a purpose for creating work. Another great advantage is the ability to use the platform to teach computing (coding or computer science).

Two main approaches are available for teaching coding within CoSpaces Edu. The first is based on Google’s Blockly. This is ideal for younger students that are familiar with block based coding apps such as Scratch. Programs can be created by snapping together blocks which generate javascript. The second option involves actually coding in javascript (and typescript) by using the built-in text editor.

The Key Stage 2 Computing National Curriculum states that students should learn how to use sequence, selection and repetition when coding. These three concepts can be delivered very effectively using CoSpaces Edu.

Sequence

Students can easily combine blocks that execute in sequence. The following code will first turn the rocket before raising it into the air.

Adding conditional logic offers more options for controlling when code is executed. In the following example, the rocket only moves when the timer reaches zero. The timer is a variable. The ‘if — do’ part defines the condition i.e. if the timer = 0 then move the rocket.

Other coding concepts can be delivered using CoSpaces Edu including variables and lists. When students are confident coding in blockly they can progress to using javascript.

Projects can be viewed on mobile devices using the CoSpaces Edu app which can be downloaded onto iOS and Android devices. Two modes can be used to view the projects: gyroscope and cardboard. Gyroscope works well for larger devices e.g. iPad as the device can be rotated to view the 360 images. If your students have access to VR headsets then cardboard mode can be activated to allow for a more immersive VR experience.